Superfood is a term used to describe a nutrient-dense food item that can help protect you against multiple health concerns. While many exotic foods are claimed to be superfoods by social media, not all of these claims are supported by science. Spirulina has long been used as a source of nutrition in many cultures worldwide. Researchers have found that Spirulina is a superfood and can do wonders for your health. It also has proven health benefits specifically for men, making Spirulina an incredible superfood.
What Is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is also one of the oldest life forms on earth.
It is a type of cyanobacteria, a single-celled microbe colloquially termed blue-green algae.
Spirulina has been a food source in Mexico and South Africa for centuries.
It has numerous health benefits, is often used as a supplement, and is a common ingredient in smoothies and energy bars.
Spirulina Nutrient Chart Label
According to the US Department of Food and Agriculture, one teaspoon of Spirulina contains:
- Five calories
- 1 gram protein
- 1 gram carbohydrate
- 1.08 milligrams of iron
- 30 milligrams potassium
- 0 cholesterol and sodium
How To Use Spirulina
Spirulina is usually available as a powder.
Mix it in a glass of water, add it to your morning oatmeal or smoothie, or sprinkle it on salads.
Most people find Spirulina neutral, so it won’t affect the taste of the food you add it to.
10 Benefits Of Spirulina For Men
- May improve prostate health and testosterone production: Some studies show that Spirulina can be especially beneficial for men’s prostate health and improve testosterone production. Spirulina can help prevent benign prostatic hyperplasia, an enlargement of the prostate that can cause urinary problems in men. Some studies also show that taking Spirulina can help improve the stamina of male athletes by enhancing testosterone production.
- May help with sexual health: Spirulina can help improve men’s sexual health by helping reverse erectile dysfunction. Spirulina is rich in arginine, a compound that helps produce nitric acid. It can improve blood flow to the penile tissues and prevent erectile dysfunction. Some smaller studies show that Spirulina can improve sperm count and motility.
- May protect against heart disease: According to a 2018 study, spirulina supplements can help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood. Another study found that Spirulina can help prevent inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which protects you from heart disease. Spirulina also has antioxidant properties and can thus improve cardiovascular health.
- May help prevent cancer: Spirulina’s anti-inflammatory properties can help protect against cancer. Phycocyanin, the pigment that gives Spirulina its blue-green color, can also kill cancer cells and prevent tumor formation.
- May keep blood glucose levels in check: A 2021 study showed that Spirulina can help keep blood glucose levels in check. It contains 4 grams of protein per tablespoon and can significantly lower fasting blood glucose levels. However, this doesn’t mean that Spirulina can replace your diabetes medications.
- May protect against allergies: Spirulina can help protect against allergies by stopping the release of histamine, a chemical that causes allergy symptoms. One study found that those taking spirulina supplements significantly relieved rhinitis symptoms.
- May prevent anemia: Anemia lacks red blood cells and can cause extreme fatigue. According to a study conducted on senior citizens, Spirulina can help improve hemoglobin content in red blood cells.
- May support immune system functioning: Spirulina is rich in vitamins E, C, and B6, all responsible for maintaining a healthy immune system. It also boosts white blood cell and antibody production, which helps the body fight off infections.
- May boost oral and eye health: Spirulina has zeaxanthin, a pigment that can lower the risk of developing cataracts. Its antibacterial properties can reduce dental plaque and gingivitis.
- May support mental health: Surprising as it may sound, Spirulina can help protect you against certain mental disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, etc. Most of these are linked to lowered serotonin production in the brain. Spirulina contains tryptophan, an amino acid that can boost serotonin production in the brain.
How Long Does It Take For Spirulina To Work?
It can take 1-3 weeks, or sometimes more than that, for Spirulina to affect your overall health.
Spirulina's effects on health depend on health, physical activity, and food consumption.
You will see faster results if you follow a healthy lifestyle and take spirulina supplements.
Does Spirulina Have Any Side Effects?
Consuming Spirulina can be highly beneficial for your health.
However, it can also come with certain risks.
During Spirulina’s growth in marine water, it can accumulate heavy metals, harmful bacteria, and microcystins that can damage your liver.
Spirulina is an anticoagulant with blood-thinning properties, so those with clotting disorders should avoid it.
Spirulina also contains an amino acid called phenylalanine, which can be harmful to those with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria.
Who Should Not Take Spirulina?
You should not take Spirulina if you are
- Suffering from clotting disorder and taking blood thinning medications
- Suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Suffering from an autoimmune disorder
- Suffering from diabetes
- Taking cholesterol-lowering medications
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.
Other FAQs of Spirulina Benefits For Men
Does Spirulina Increase Testosterone In Men?
Spirulina can increase the production of testosterone in men.
This, in turn, can improve athletic performance and sexual health.
What Happens To Your Body When You Start Taking Spirulina?
Spirulina is rich in antioxidants that lower inflammation in the body.
When taking Spirulina regularly, you may notice less joint pain and bloating and clearer skin.
Over time, Spirulina may improve your heart and gut health and help you lose excess weight.
Does Spirulina Increase Muscle Growth?
Research shows that Spirulina can help strengthen your muscles.
In one study, men took a 6-gram spirulina supplement every day for a month.
They reported enjoying more extended periods of exercise without fatigue than those who didn’t take the supplement.
Does Spirulina Increase Stamina?
Spirulina contains up to 4 grams of protein per tablespoon.
Consuming it may increase stamina and improve athletic performance.
Summary
Spirulina, a single-celled microbe, has long been a food source in many cultures.
Now, scientists have found that Spirulina has a lot of health benefits, especially for men.
Spirulina is rich in antioxidants and can reduce inflammation in the body, improving heart health.
It can also help control diabetes and protect against cancers.
In men, it can improve prostate health and increase testosterone production.
Spirulina is usually safe for consumption.
However, as with all supplements, it is a good idea to consult your doctor before taking Spirulina.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20010119
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6241722
